In this engaging discussion, guests Brian Whitlock and Cori Masters from Gartner share critical updates on U.S. tariffs and their implications for chief supply chain officers. Brian, with over 30 years of experience in logistics, and Cori, a specialist in high-tech supply chains, cover the administration’s motivations behind the tariffs and the challenges of reshoring. They also explore strategies for CSCOs to prepare for volatility and the significance of scenario planning. Listeners gain actionable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of trade policies.
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insights INSIGHT
Four Purposes of Tariffs
The US administration is using tariffs for four reasons: balancing trade, bringing back manufacturing, negotiating deals, and generating revenue.
Negotiating deals and generating revenue are likely the primary drivers, with balancing trade and bringing manufacturing less impactful.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Supply Chain Planning and Risk Mitigation
Supply chain leaders should employ scenario planning and consider both timelines and costs when determining risk mitigation.
Traditional tariff mitigation strategies, like duty drawbacks, might not be viable under the new administration's approach.
insights INSIGHT
Upcoming Investigations and Tariff Implications
Three crucial investigations are due in early April: categorizing trading partners, identifying tariff circumvention, and assessing reciprocal tariffs.
These investigations could lead to accelerated tariff announcements and changes, requiring companies to have resources and processes in place.
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Updates surrounding U.S. tariffs since February. (1:18)
Four reasons the U.S. administration is leveraging tariffs and their implications for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs). (2:11)
Key announcements that CSCOs should understand leading up to 1 April. (9:22)
Other supply chain challenges on the horizon. (11:56)
How supply chain organizations can best prepare for tariff volatility leading up to and after 1 April. (15:59)
In this episode of the Supply Chain Podcast, host Lindsay Azim discusses updates and new information around tariff implementation and supply chain uncertainty with Gartner Senior Director Analysts Brian Whitlock and Cori Masters. The three of them explore tariff volatility, what is to come for implementations and the changes to how supply chains can respond, as well as other items that will impact supply chain operations (like the SHIPS for America Act). Lindsay, Brian and Cori close the show with recommendations for how CSCOs can prepare their organization for potential disruption.
About the Guests
Brian Whitlock is a senior director research analyst in Gartner’s logistics and fulfillment team. He is responsible for advising logistics leaders and the C-suite in strategy design and execution, and for building capabilities that improve the performance of their logistics function. Brian is also the key initiative leader responsible for the research plan for logistics and fulfillment. Brian joined Gartner in 2020. He has over 30 years of experience leading global logistics, transportation and trade management organizations with expertise in strategy, operations, finance, procurement and supplier development and trade management.
Cori Masters is a senior director and high-tech analyst in Gartner's supply chain practice, providing research insights, advice and thought leadership to high-tech, electronics, telecom and public procurement clients. With over 25 years of experience, she provides expert coverage, including supply chain strategy, sustainability, risk management/resiliency and vendor management. Based on previous experience as a senior commodity manager across multiple markets, she provides expertise in end-to-end supply chain practices with deep knowledge in vendor management, end-to-end supply chain strategy, manufacturing technology development and ramp and manufacturing sustainability.
The Gartner Supply Chain Podcast